1.0   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia                  

Saudi Arabia, officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in Western Asia. It spans the vast majority of the Arabian Peninsula, with a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km². Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, and the second-largest country in the Arab world.

Saudi Arabia traces its roots back to the earliest civilizations of the Arabian Peninsula. Over the centuries, the peninsula has played an important role in history as an ancient trade center and as the birthplace of Islam.

Since King Abdulaziz Al-Saud established the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, its transformation has been astonishing.

His majesty The King of Saudi Arabia on  27th January 2022 issued a royal decree announcing  that February 22 will   be an annual holiday to mark the founding of the state.Imam Muhammad bin Saud, the emir of Al Diriyah ( part of Saudi), is considered the founding father of the first Saudi state in 1727 AD  to which the recent leadership now  draw a direct line.The declaration  of the Foundations day comes at a time the country is undergoing a series of changes in economic , political and social fronts. Tracing the past history and connecting that as part of commemoration clearly demonstrates the Kingdom’s ambition to place her firmly in the international arena as a country with long, proud and recorded history.

The De facto ruler of the Kingdom  Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on the 26th April 2016 announced  Saudi Vision 2030 the  strategic framework to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. Key goals include reinforcing economic and investment activities, increasing non-oil international trade, and promoting a softer and more secular image of the Kingdom. It also consists of increasing government spending on the military, as well as manufacturing equipment and ammunition. The Saudi Vision 2030 It is built around three main themes namely , vibrant society (urbanism, culture and entertainment, sports, Umrah, UNESCO heritage sites, life expectancy)  thriving economy (employment, women in the workforce, international competitiveness, Public Investment Fund, foreign direct investment, non-oil exports and an ambitious nation (non-oil revenues, government effectiveness, e-government, household savings and income, non-profits, and volunteering).

2.0   Sri Lanka-Saudi Diplomatic Relation

2.1     Ancient time

The first mention of Arabs in ancient Sri Lanka appears in the chronicle Mahavamsa in an account of the reign of King Pandukabhaya (474 BC – 367 BC). It states that the King set apart lands for the `Yona’ (traders from Arabian Peninsula) on the side of the western gate of Anuradhapura. These traders were sailing in the ancient ‘Oceanic Silk Route’ of trade where Sri Lanka was at the epicenter.

In the 07^th century A.D., Sri Lanka’s connection with present Saudi Arabia should have been very close as during the reign of the King Aggrabodhi III (623 – 640 AD), he dispatched a delegation on a ‘fact-finding mission to Arabia’, about the Prophet Mohammed. Although this delegation left Sri Lanka when the Prophet Muhammad himself was living, they were able to reach Macca in Saudi Arabia only during the time of Caliph Umar (634-644 AD). On their way back, the chief envoy of this delegation passed away, but his Indian servant was survived to reach Anuradhapura to report about their experience to the Royal Court. Historians cite this mission as one of the early examples for the strong connection that Arabian traders held with the Sri Lankan royalty.

Saudi Arabian traders were known to source merchandise such as pearls, precious stones, sandalwood, camphor, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, coconut, ambergris and ivory from Sri Lanka.

This ancient trade and people to people relationship between Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka flourished over time and bonded itself with the history of Sri Lanka.

2.2     Establishment of diplomatic relations:

Sri Lanka and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established formal diplomatic relations in 1974. The first Saudi Ambassador to Sri Lanka was appointed in August 1977 and was accredited from the Royal Saudi Embassy in New Delhi. Sri Lanka embassy was established in Jeddah in 1983 with Mr Dickman De Alwis as Charge De Affairs.  The first Embassy of Sri Lanka was established in Jeddah with late Mr M.R.M. Thassim was the first accredited Ambassador. Embassy was then shifted to Riyadh in 1985.  Late ALM Hassim , Late Cader Markar , Izzeth Ahamed , Javid Yousuf , Nowfel Jabir , Ibrahim Ansar , AMJ Sadiq, Late AAM Marleen , Ahmed Jawad, Vadivel Kirishnamorthy, Mohamed Hussain  and Azmi Thassim served as Ambassadors in the past . Mr. P M Amza has been serving as the Ambassador since November 2021.

The Sri Lanka Consulate in Jeddah was opened in April 1997 and it was upgraded to Consulate General in 1998 with Mr M.U.M. Ali Sabri serving as its first Consul General.

The first resident Royal Saudi Embassy in Sri Lanka was established in 1996  with Dr. Mohamed bin Abdurrahman Al Shammary  as its first Charge d’ Affaires. The first resident Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E.  Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Ali was appointed in 2001.

2.3. Saudi Arabia Sri Lanka bilateral relations: recent development

Apart from the historic link, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka relations were traditionally built on the welfare of the migrant workers and the economic benefit from such employment and functions related to performance of the Haj and Umrah matters.

As the Kingdom has now emerged as a leading player in the international arena with the ambitious vision of 2030, Sri Lanka also has now shifted her attention to develop multifaceted relations and focus its concentration more on political and economic spheres.

In this context the first ever bilateral foreign ministerial visit from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Sri Lanka took place in March 2022 when HRH Faisal bin Farhan, visited Sri Lanka. During the last fifteen months (March 2022 to June 2023) there have been 7 Ministerial visits to the Kingdom which included the visit of Hon Ali Sabry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka in January 2023.

The two countries concluded the first session of the Joint Commission in May 2023 during which 63 items were identified for cooperation under 20 different areas including security cooperation.

Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia signed 3 bilateral agreements during the last 15 months.

They are;

1. Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement
2. MoU for Bilateral Political Consultations and
3. Skill Verification Program which will allow 23 categories of semi-skilled and skilled workers to enter the Kingdom with legitimate jobs with appropriate salaries.

Saudi Arabia has so far spent 1600 million SAR on development projects under soft loan through Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). In the platforms to restructure the loans, following the economic crisis, the Kingdom was in the forefront to help Sri Lanka. They continue their projects without any hindrance.

2.4     Saudi Arabia – Sri Lanka multilateral collaboration

Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka laid the foundation for Asian – African solidarity at the Bandung Conference (meeting of Asian and African States) which was held in 1955. Mutual interests of both countries were extended years later when they became the founding members of the Non Aligned Movement (NAM) which was established in the Belgrade Summit in 1961. Saudi Arabia was represented at the 5^th NAM summit which was held in Colombo from 16–19 August 1976 by HRH Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Late Mrs. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, who pioneered in forging strong ties with the Arab world in general and with Saudi Arabia in particular, spearheaded in organizing this event.

At present, Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia continue to share and strengthen our common beliefs in the multilateral arena, including at all UN forums and other multilateral organizations.

2.5     Friends in deed and friends in need

Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have supported each other on numerous occasions, both as development partners and close friends who come forward in needed times.

The Saudi Fund for Development has been a long help development partner of Sri Lanka, which has provided Sri Lanka with 408.72 Million worth of development assistance over the last decade. The projects which covered in this development assistance covers sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, power and water management.

Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka have forged strong bonds in supporting each other in time of need. Saudi Arabia supported Sri Lanka in the time of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.  Following the disaster, Saudi Arabia sent 8 flight loads of relief material. It also built 500 houses for the affected Sri Lankans while funding the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

In 1945, Saudi Arabia also faced a difficult situation with the less number of pilgrims visiting the areas of Mecca and Medina.  Sri Lanka established a committee named as “Mecca – Madina Starvation Relief committee” and collected a sum of Rupees 71,832.81 (81,135 SAR in current value) from 86 villages including Colombo. This money was transferred via Colombo Eastern Bank to then Crown prince, H.E. Sultan Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud.

In May 2023 Saudi Arabia evacuated 32 Sri Lankans from Sudan.

2.6     Saudi – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association

Saudi – Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association has a long history of active engagement in enhancing bilateral ties between the Parliament of Sri Lankan and the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Over the past decades, parliamentarians from two countries have exchanged visits at different occasions. In September 2019, the Sura Council members visited Sri Lanka under the stewardship of the President of the Sura Council Dr. Abdullah Al-Sheikh.

Sri Lanka Parliament establishes Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Committee which is chaired by Hon Naseer Ahamed, Minister of Environment.

2.7     Bilateral Visits

2.7.1  Outward Bilateral Visits

2.7.1.1        Late President J.R. Jayawardene visits the Kingdom

In September 1981, late President J.R. Jayawardene visited the Kingdom. This is the first and only time a President of Sri Lanka visited the Kingdom. During this visit he called on HM the King Khalid and had bilateral discussions with the ministers and officials.

Documents reveal that the main focus during these discussions was on strengthening peace and security in the Indian Ocean and how the Non-Alignment movement could play a pivotal role in this regard. Parties also agreed to establish diplomatic representations in their respective countries. Then Foreign Minister late Mr. A.C.S. Hameed also held discussions with his counterpart His Excellency Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

2.7.1.2        Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar

Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, late Hon. Lakshman Kadirgamar visited the Kingdom in February 2001. He called on the then Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and held bilateral discussions.

2.7.1.3        Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama

Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Rohitha Bogollagama visited the Kingdom from 9 – 10 May 2009. He also called on the then Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, late His Excellency Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and held bilateral discussions.

2.7.1.4.       Hon. Ali Sabry

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka Hon. Ali Sabry visited the Kingdom from 22-27 January 2023. He held bilateral discussions with His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of KSA. A number of high level Sri Lankan dignitaries have visited Saudi Arabia from Sri Lanka during the past four decades.

Following Minsters/State Ministers visited the Kingdom during last 18 months.

2.7.1.5. Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya

State Minister of Regional Cooperation Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya visited Saudi Arabia from 19-21 March 2022. During the visit, Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya met with His Excellency Adel bin Ahmed Al – Jubeir, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of investment, Saudi Arabia and other dignitaries.

2.7.1.6. Hon. Piyankara Jayaratne

State Minister of Foreign Employment Promotion and Market Diversification Hon. Priyankara Jayaratne visited Saudi Arabia from 19-24 March 2022. During the visit, Hon. Priyankara Jayaratne met with His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abuthnain, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labour.

2.7.1.7. Hon. Naseer Ahamed

Special Envoy of HE the President and Minister of Environment Hon. Naseer Ahamed visited Saudi Arabia from 27 August -01 September 2022. During the visit, Hon. Naseer Ahamed had a meeting with His Excellency Eng. Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al- Khuraiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of KSA.

2.7.1.8. Hon. Manusha Nanayakkara

Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Hon. Manusha Nanayakkara visited KSA from 08-12 November 2022. During his stay Hon. Minister had Official Talks with His Excellency Eng. Ahamed bin Sulaiman bin Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development of KSA

2.7.1.9. Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya

State Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Tharaka Balasuriya paid a visit to KSA 21-22 May 2023 to participate at the 1^st Session of Joint Commission Meeting between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia. During the stay, Hon. State Minister met with His Excellency Waleed Al Khereiji, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of KSA and signed the MoU on Political Consultation.

2.7.2. Inward Bilateral Visits

2.7.2.1        His Excellency Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Late Saudi Foreign Minister His Excellency Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud visited Sri Lanka in 1972 and in 1976. He represented Saudi Arabia in the 5^th NAM Summit which was held in Sri Lanka in 1976 where he held bilateral discussions with then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, late Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

2.7.2.2        President of the Sura Council Dr. Abdullah ibn Mohammed ibn Ibrahim al-Sheikh,

Visited Sri Lanka from 07-11 September 2019. During his visit, he met the H.E the President of Sri Lanka, Maitheepala Sirisena, Hon. Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe and Hon. Speaker Karu Jayasyuriya and held bilateral discussions.

2.7.2.3.       His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia

Visited Sri Lanka on 13 March 2022. During the visit, he met HE the President of Sri Lanka H.E. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Hon. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Hon. Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris.

2.8     People to people contact:

People to people contact between the two countries has flourished since ancient times. Traders from Saudi Arabia visited Sri Lanka mainly for trade and Sri Lankan pilgrims visited the holy sites in Saudi Arabia. Since 1980’s many Sri Lankans came to Saudi Arabia as migrant workers. At present around 150,000 Sri Lankans are living and working in Saudi Arabia. Sri Lanka is well-known among Saudi tourists and around 35,000 Saudi tourists are visiting Sri Lanka annually.

3.0   Sri Lanka’s Commercial and Economic Relations with KSA

3.1     Economic Ties

Economic ties between Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia have a history of more than a millennia. These relations have evolved in modern times to establish formal trade agreements. The two countries at present share ten bilateral Agreements/ MoUs encompassing, air transport, Customs Duty, Manpower, Economic, Trade  & Investment , Scientific, Technical, Culture, Double Taxation, Political Consultation, Skill Verification, Youth and Sports Co-operation and Bilateral Cooperation between Council of Saudi Chambers and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Several more agreements and MoUs are in the pipeline to be signed in near future.

Saudi Arabia is Sri Lanka’s 27^th trading partner. First ever Saudi trade delegation visited Sri Lanka in January 1995. Since then exchange of trade delegations have taken place at numerous occasions.

3.2     Overview of Saudi’s Modern Economy

Saudi Arabia has an oil-based economy with strong government controls over major economic activities. It possesses about 16% of the world’s proven petroleum reserves, ranks as the largest exporter of petroleum, and plays a leading role in OPEC. The petroleum sector accounts for roughly 87% of budget revenues, 42% of GDP, and 90% of export earnings.

Although the Kingdom can finance high deficits for several years by drawing down its considerable foreign assets or by borrowing, it has cut capital spending and reduced subsidies on electricity, water, and petroleum products and have introduced a value-added tax (Currently 15%)

Saudi Aramco, one of the largest oil companies in the world, announced on Sunday 3 November 2019 its plan to list 1.5% of its value as an IPO as to reduce the cost to the government of running the company. On November 9, 2019, Saudi Aramco released a 600-page prospectus giving details of the IPO. According to the specifications provided, up to 0.5 percent of the shares were reserved for individual retail investors. On 4 December 2019, Saudi Aramco priced its initial offering at 32 Saudi Riyal (approximately $8.53) per share. The company generated subscriptions of total amount equals $119 billion representing 456% of total offer shares. The share sale is considered as a result of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s plans to modernize the Saudi economy and diversify the dependence on oil.

3.3     Increase of Customs Duty

Saudi Arabia enacted Cabinet Decision No. 559, on 28 April 2020, to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and has increased various customs duty rates.

The changes take effect from 10 June 2020 and certain rates are increased up to 25%.

• Sri Lanka’s Trade with Saudi Arabia

3.4.1  Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia Trade Relation 2013- 2022

Value in US $ Mn.

Year	Exports	Imports	Total Trade Turnover	Balance of Trade
2013	63.57	226.88	290.45	-163.31
2014	73.28	142.67	215.95	-69.39
2015	81.20	122.11	203.31	-40.91
2016	74.58	135.94	210.52	-61.36
2017	76.01	139.36	215.37	-63.35
2018	71.91	255.86	327.77	-183.95
2019	86.15	354.39	440.54	-268.24
2020	75.63	187.61	263.25	-111.98
2021	75.69	353.29	428.98	-277.60
2022	97.89	228.83	326.72	-130.93

 

3.4.2  Potential Products

• Industrial Gloves, Belts etc. of Leather
• Other Electrical & Electronic Products
• Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes
• Woven fabric

3.4.3  Other High Potential Products

• Apparel
• Coco peat
• Foliage, branches and other parts of plants, without flowers or flower buds
• Solid/cushion tyres, interchangeable tyre treads & tyre flaps
• Food preparations
• Preparations used in animal feeding
• Vegetable products
• Coconut, abaca Manila hemp, ramie, agave & other vegetable fibres
• Activated carbon
• Boards & other bases for the goods of HS8537
• Nuts & other seeds, prepared or preserved
• Tea or mate extracts & preparations
• Coir Carpets And Other Rugs
• Essential Oils
• Gaskets, Washers, Seals etc. of Hard Rubber
• Industrial & Surgical Gloves of Rubber

3.5     Sri Lanka’s Leading Exporters to Saudi Arabia -2019

Company Details	Products Exported within this Period
Vintage Teas Ceylon Pvt Ltd	Tea in Bulk, Cartons, Boxes & Bags, Other Products of Base Metal
Finlays Colombo Ltd	Tea Packets, Processed Food, Other Textile Articles, Cartons, Boxes & Bags, Other Paper & Paper Products nes, Sacs & Bags of Plastics
Dole Lanka Pvt Ltd	Bananas
Van Rees Ceylon Ltd	Tea Packets
CAMSO LOADSTAR PVT LTD	Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes, Motor Vehicles & Parts, Gaskets, Washers, Seals etc. of Hard Rubber
Prima Ceylon Pvt Ltd	Animal Feed
Akbar Brothers Pvt Ltd	Tea Packets, Tea in Bulk, Tools, Implements, Cutlery & Parts, Other Products of Plastics, Sacs & Bags of Plastics
Island Seafood Exports Pvt Ltd	Frozen Fish
Quick Tea Pvt Ltd	Tea Packets
Qualitea Ceylon Pvt Ltd	Tea Packets, Printed Books & Printed Matter, Furniture & Seats, Tableware & Kitchenware, Other Ceramic Products, Other Products of Plastics, Cartons, Boxes & Bags, Sacs & Bags of Plastics, Other Paper & Paper Products nes
Y A S Lanka Pvt Ltd	Other Fruits, Melons & Papayas, Other Vegetables, Goraka (Garzenia), Manioc, Coconut Oil, Plants and Parts of Plants, Onions, Liquid Coconut Milk, Coconut Cream, Cashew Nuts, Coconut Flour, Pineapples, Tea Packets, Sugars, Sugar Confectionery & Bakery Products, Coconut Shell Charcoal, Non Alcoholic Beverages, Lemons, Rice, Coconut Fresh Nuts, Processed Food, Other Nuts, Ginger, Other Cereals and its Products, Mushroom, Sweat Potatoes, Chilies, Lentils, Kiri Ala, Processed Vegetables, Fruits & Juices, Carrots, Coconut Milk Powder, Tomato, Potatoes, Garlic
Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company Plc	Tea Packets, Processed Food, Other Electrical & Electronic Products, Jewellery Boxes, Cloth Hangers and Handicraft, Glass & Glassware, Tableware & Kitchenware, Printed Books & Printed Matter, Other Products of Base Metal
Mabroc Teas Pvt Ltd	Tea Packets, Tea in Bulk
Zam Marine Pvt Ltd	Frozen Fish
Expolanka Pvt Ltd	Desiccated Coconut, Lemons, Other Fruits, Other Vegetables, Defatted Coconut, Coconut Fresh Nuts, Copra
Adeem Uniform Pvt Ltd	Apparel, Woven Fabrics, Other Textile Articles, Sacs & Bags of Plastics, Cartons, Boxes & Bags, Labels Printed or Not, Buttons, Studs, Fasteners & Similar Products, Other Products of Plastics, Other Paper & Paper Products nes
Timex Garments Pvt Ltd	Apparel
G B S Sea foods Pvt Ltd	Frozen Fish
Venture Tea Pvt Ltd	Tea Packets
Hayleys Free Zone Ltd	Pneumatic & Retreated Rubber Tyres & Tubes, Other Products of Base Metal

3.6     Matters related to Saudi Food and Drugs Authority (SFDA)

Saudi Food and Drugs Authority is an Independent Government body to the ensure safety of food and drug for human and animal, and safety of biological and chemical substance as well as electronic products.

In several occasions, SFDA has raised issues on the products importing from Sri Lanka. These products include, Ceylon tea, Fruits and Vegetables, Fisheries products and Spices. Most of the Saudi standards are in accordance with Codex Alimantharious Commission (Codex), International Office of Epizootics (IOE) and relevant international organizations.

In 2017, SFDA has raised a serious issue on the import of shrimps from Sri Lanka oth the basis of the report in IOE warning on the prevelance of white spot decease in Shrimps imported from Sri Lanka. This matter has been dragged for several years and all fisheries products from Sri Lanka has been temperory suspended without giving any reasons. They finally lift the ban on fisheried products over the registration of the establihments. However, the existing ban of shrimps is still in place.

Very recently SFDA tried to impose a ban on Green tea and cloves which are said to have been imported from Sri Lanka. Several round of descussions were held and this Mission clearly realized that the SFDA allegations are completely baseless and they are not in a position to provide any valid information with regard to the proof of importation from Sri Lanka.

• Future prospectus of Saudi Market for Sri Lanka products

According to the latest survey Saudi consumer optimism has remained steady throughout the Covid-19 crisis though more than half of consumers have seen a decline in income savings. Most Saudi shoppers go to shopping centres for food, clothing and electronics. Saudi Consumers can be divided into five broad categories based on their behaviours. The savvy consumers, brand savers, multi-channel buyers, discounted converts and selective spenders.

More generally, Saudis prefer quality over quantity (66% of consumers value quality over price) and are attracted by international brands, especially luxury brands. However, in recent years there has been a change in the behaviour of consumers in the Arab world in general, and Saudi Arabia in particular. They pay more attention to prices and are therefore less loyal to brands. Some 52% of Saudi Arabian consumers are becoming more mindful of how they spend their money.

Consumers tend to change to less expensive products, research brand and make shopping lists before buying. In the last months, they show increased shopping intent for essential categories and expect to shop more online.

According to the para # 2 above, there are number of competitors from the region to compete with existing and potential Sri Lankan products. The current market information reveals that most of the Sri Lankan products are highly priced over the same products imported from the other nearby countries. Saudi importers tend to import Sri Lankan products through other Gulf countries (UAE and Jordan) to avail themself for the duty concessions from Gulf region. Since the very uncompetitive air cargo cost, most of the perishable products (Fruits, Vegetable) which are directly air shipped to KSA from Colombo are highly priced.

4.0     Tourism with Saudi Arabia

According to the statistics of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, the following number of tourists visited Sri Lanka from Saudi Arabia for the last several years;

Year	No of Tourists
2016	38,836
2017	35,481
2018	34,703
2019	15, 071
2020	4,755
2021	1,596
2022	5,952

Tourists’ arrivals from Saudi Arabia drastically dropped in 2019 due to the increased risk of the pandemic situation at the end of the year 2019 and throughout 2020. Major Tourism event which was planned in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled.

However, the Mission has taken many initiatives to promote Sri Lankan tourism in the Kingdom. Created a website with the participation of the Sri Lankan community in Riyadh, called “Ahalan Sri Lanka” www.ahlansrilanka.com in Arabic language in order to attract Arabs to visit Sri Lanka. Established Tourism Information Desk at the embassy premises and appointed an officer dedicated for it. Further, arrangements are being made to participate at the Riyadh Travel Fair 2024.